Epithelial Debridement/Superficial Keratectomy 9.2

What is this surgery?

Epithelial debridement removes your eye’s clear protective outer layer of cells called the corneal surface.

Superficial keratectomy helps remove and smooth the corneal surface.

Why am I having it? 

• Anterior basement membrane dystrophy

• Breakdown of the cells on the top layer of the cornea 

• Gray-white to bluish nodules on the cornea 

• Calcium salts formed under the corneal surface

• Corneal scar

• To remove infected tissue

• Reis-Buckler’s dystrophy

• Treat cells growing under the LASIK flap after surgery

How does it work?

We perform the surgery using a microscope. We shine a thin sheet of high intensity light called a slit lamp into the eye. We apply an eye drop anesthetic to the surface of the eye. This numbs the eye. We then remove the tissue. We sometimes polish the cornea with another diamond burr. We place a bandage soft contact lens on the corneal surface to help it heal.  

After Surgery

It will take 2-7 days to heal. The length of time depends on the amount of tissue that was removed. You may have pain until it heals. You may need this surgery more than once.

You will take antibiotic eye drops. We may also prescribe corticosteroid eye drops and a mild narcotic.

You will have a follow-up clinic visit. At this visit we check to see how you are healing. We take out the bandage contact lens. You will use artificial tears, hypertonic solutions, or ointments once the bandage contact lens is out to keep your eye lubricated.

It takes 12 weeks for your vision to become stable. We will give you a new glasses prescription at this time, if needed. 

Do not drive: 

• The first 5 days after the procedure. 

• If you are taking narcotic pain medicines. 

• If your eye is tearing or light sensitive.